“Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I’m a little hurt that he’s going to be gone because right now I don’t think we have anybody to fill his shoes,” she said.

“We have someone to step in and take over? No one yet” parent Cynthia Burton expressed her concern.

Wheels are already in motion.

“Family comes first,” said school board commissioner Robert Heck. “I wish him all the best, and everything’s in place to continue the work.”

Teachers union president Marietta English says she was surprised. She told WJZ although there were some adversarial moments, even the rough patches yielded benefits.

“In any relationship there’s going to be moments of disagreement,” English said.

Baltimore City Senator Nathaniel McFadden says Alonso ranks at the top of the list of city school superintendents.

“The students in the Baltimore City Public Schools and the staff are in a lot better position today than when he came,” he said.

Even some students have noticed.

“I think Dr. Alonso’s done a real good job,” said Roland Park 7th grader Gerald Burton. “I love Baltimore City schools with all my heart. I wish I would never leave and never grow up. I would like to say good luck to Mr. Alonso. I hope his family good luck. God bless you.”

Alonso leaves at the end of June.

Alonso’s chief of staff will serve as interim CEO. A national search has been launched to find a full-time replacement.

Pat Warren

Pat Warren joined the Eyewitness News team in 1992.
Pat came to WJZ from WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio where she had been a news anchor and general assignment reporter.
Her desire to give back to the community keeps Pat involved with many...